“In this glorious production of "Les Misérables" the New Jersey Choral Society shines, as always, but this time brighter than ever!” exclaimed Joan Christos, who was one of nearly 1000 people in the Baggs Auditorium of Bergenfield High School treated March 11 and 12, 2006 to the outstanding concert performance of Boublil and Schönberg’s legendary musical theatre classic. Another member of the audience remarked “I loved it so much, I wanted to come back the next day and see it again.”

Under the dynamic direction of conductor Eric Dale Knapp, NJCS presented a stirring rendition of the musical score, which included dramatic “editing, narration, staging--and particularly [a] wonderful spotlight—[that] gave this show a magic all its own.” Powerful performances of the main characters were provided by members of the choir: Daniel Lynch Jr. as Valjean, Dawn Reynolds as Fantine, Matt Cardona as Javert, Terri Spirito as Cosette, Marlene O’Connell as Eponine, Jeff Meyer as Marius, and comic relief courtesy of Tony Minieri and Jill Guartafierro as Monsieur and Madame Thernardier, the unscrupulous innkeeper and his wife. The ensemble versions of “Do you Hear the People Sing?” and “Bring Him Home” were brought to life by the vibrant vocals of the choir.

Two young guest singers, Sarah Gruber and Sean Kecherson, sang the parts of young Cosette and Gavroche with the stage presence of veterans, and were enthusiastically received. NJCS members Krystyna Chmielewski and Larry Kaiser provided narration, written by Art Simet, which filled in the story-line and historical events that served as a backdrop to Victor Hugo’s epic tale of redemption and revolution. Instrumentalists Linda Sweetman-Waters, Roberta Wallis, Eileen Karp and David Philp contributed to the pathos and passion of the score. The production was further enhanced by slides depicting the original lithographs from Hugo’s book, crafted by Eileen McGlone, and period costumes.

The audience members, both long-time supporters of the New Jersey Choral Society and those coming to their first NJCS concert, were struck by the emotional impact and professionalism of the performance. “The performance was beyond, beyond, beyond expectations.  Admit to being in tears,” wrote Elaine Nissen. Another, a self-proclaimed music and Les Mis aficionado said, “I have seen the Broadway production, read the book, and [the NJCS] performance of Les Mis in some ways was better than the NY performance.”  Barbara Parker, of the Twin-Boro News wrote, “I am really impressed with the high quality and professionalism of New Jersey Choral Society's performances.”

The Rev. Robert R. Smith, Rector, Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion, Norwood remarked, “The New Jersey Choral Society's Les Mis is a thrilling recreation of a classic tale in a concert setting.  In every aspect of the production; in the costumes, production design, and of course the acting and musical talents of the NJCS, Les Mis in concert captured all the stirring majesty of a full theatrical presentation, and brought to life Victor Hugo's inspiring vision for all people.” Joan Christos reflected, “At the finale, when the audience rose to its feet as one, the tribute [for the New Jersey Choral Society] was never more richly deserved.”